Sample Letter: Renter Resume

Whether you're newly out on your own, a student embarking on your first renting adventure or someone in a tightly competitive rental market looking to secure a spot in a coveted neighborhood or community, a renter resume can help set you apart from the crowd.

A renter resume, much like its traditional counterpart, helps to showcase the attributes that make you the best candidate for the job. And in this case, the job is “perfect tenant!"

A resume generally contains information about your employment history and job skills. If you're a new graduate, it would showcase your academic career. A renter resume is the same sort of self-marketing tool helping you stand out from the pack and should be set up in much the same way.

What to include

The basics of a renter resume include contact information, rental history (include your previous residences) and personal references. Try to avoid using family members. Instead, opt for former or current landlords, colleagues or other affiliates, perhaps those met through school or volunteer work

You should also include your current employer or explanation of lack thereof (for instance, if you're a student), pet information, current school information, hobbies, volunteer work, etc.

Details beneath each applicable heading will offer valuable insight. You might even consider including photos in the event that you maintained or even improved the property while living there.

Extra information that will give your prospective landlord some more information — a little insight into your personality — can't hurt, either. If you're applying with a roommate or roommates, a packet of renter resumes outlining each of your histories is a great idea.

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Renter resume template

This renter resume template is just a foundation. Once you've gotten the basics in, be sure to elaborate with personal details that will make it your own. This, along with a renter cover letter and list of references, will be a great start to landing that lease.

Simply fill in the information for sections in parentheses ( ), while the section in brackets [ ] is for your information, not to be included in the resume.

Objective [1-3-sentences defining your goals in living at this particular residence and why you're a great choice as a tenant.]

(Example: I would like to relocate from my present location to one that is convenient and walkable to both school and work. I would like to remain in this residence long-term.)

Background [This tells the property manager a little about who you are.]

(Example: I am originally from Oak Park, IL, and relocated to Orlando, FL for school at the University of Central Florida, where I am currently enrolled as a business major. I have worked part time at the Publix at University Commons shopping center for the past two years and volunteer with the Zebra Coalition, a non-profit based in the Mills 50 neighborhood of Orlando. I have no pets and will not be moving with any roommates.)

Rental History [Perhaps the most important thing on your renter resume, it should showcase your positive past as a renter. Include the name and address of each property, your rental manager, the start and end dates of your tenancy and amount of rent. You also might consider including the reason you moved.]

(Example:

Dean Woods Place

9871 Dean Woods Place
Orlando, FL
August 2017 – Present

Contact: Bob Smith, Property Manager (407) 555-5555

Rent: $350 (split with two roommates)

Reason I am leaving: I would like to live alone in a location that is walkable to both school and work.)

Rental References [Property managers often ask for references to determine whether an applicant is a good candidate. You can include a longer-form reference letter or letters with your resume if available, but should definitely include basic contact information for several references here, three to five is ideal.]

(Example:

Susan Ann Brown
(407) 555-5555
susan.brown@xdomain.net

Susan has lived across the hall from my roommates and me for the past 13 months. I get her mail and packages, take care of her cat and water her plants when she travels for business.)

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About The Author

A.D. Thompson spent the first half of her 25-year career behind the editor’s desk, including time at Playgirl Magazine. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Orlando Sentinel and a host of other publications, print and online. Now a full-time freelancer, she is the Orlando expert for USA Today’s 10Best.com and writes about everything from Mickey Mouse to marijuana-based tourism with equal levels of enthusiasm – and occasional bouts of the munchies.

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